Cardiff leading the way in UK cyber security research

The head of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), has praised Cardiff University’s contribution in the fight against cyber attacks.

NCSC Chief Executive, Ciaran Martin, was speaking on a visit to Cardiff University – recognised last year as Wales’ first and only Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by NCSC.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see the cutting-edge cyber security research that is being carried out at Cardiff University. The Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research is the first of its kind in Wales and is helping increase knowledge and boosting the UK’s cyber security capability...”

“We look forward to continuing our work with Cardiff University, and other institutions, towards our shared goal of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.”

Ciaran Martin, Chief Executive, National Cyber Security Centre

Accreditation as an ‘ACE’ University allows Cardiff’s research to feed directly into UK Government efforts to make the country safer and more resilient to cyber threats.

Pete Burnap, Professor of Data Science & Cybersecurity and head of the ACE, said: “We are delighted Ciaran and colleagues from the NCSC have taken the time to visit Cardiff University.

“With a core focus on cyber security analytics, we have been able to present our innovative research on the development of artificial intelligence to detect and stop cyber attacks.

“It has also been an opportunity to showcase our work with industry partners such as Airbus, and how we are working collaboratively to turn cutting edge research into real-world security solutions...”

“As a Centre of Excellence, the University nurtures young talent and fosters a pipeline of ‘next generation’ cyber security professionals, providing much-needed software engineers, data scientists and cyber security specialists.”

Mr Martin and Paul Chichester, Director of Operations for the NCSC, were visiting the University to see the work of the ACE in practice, meet researchers and students and explore opportunities for further collaboration.

Professor Kim Graham, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Cardiff University, said: “We know that cyber security is an integral part of the new world we live in. While innovation and new technology brings many benefits to society, it also opens us up to risk and new threats.

“That’s why Cardiff University has been investing in research and skills in this area, working closely with industry partners such as Airbus, to develop our expertise and capability. Being part of the ACE network and rapidly developing our work in cyber security analytics will advance research protecting critical national infrastructure, anddemonstrates Cardiff’s commitment to use our research expertise to solve real world problems.”